A 2006 honors graduate with successful coaching experience at multiple programs, Ben Hodges returned to Central as defensive coordinator in 2024.
In his first season leading the defense, the Dutch had the top scoring defense in Division III by allowing just 9.5 points per game. They also led the American Rivers Conference in fumbles recovered (10), yards allowed per game (234.1) and sacks (3.20 per game).
Prior to Central, he had most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Murray State University (Ky.) from 2020-23. His offense led the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring in 2021.
But he has defensive experience as well. He was inside linebackers coach at The Citadel (S.C.) in 2019, where one of his players was the Southern Conference defensive player of the year and received all-America distinction. and linebackers and special teams coach at Saginaw Valley State University (Mich.) in 2018. Hodges was the outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Western Illinois University in 2017 after serving there as running backs coach and co-special teams coordinator in 2016. He spent four months at Ohio State University that year working with special teams quality control.
His longest stint was at Eastern Kentucky University, where he served from 2006-16 in various roles, including working with special teams, tight ends, wide receivers and outside linebackers while also serving as recruiting and video coordinator. During his tenure, the Colonels made four NCAA FCS playoff appearances and captured three Ohio Valley Conference championships.
“Ben brings a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience,” coach Jeff McMartin said. “He’s worked for a number of different coaches and I think those are good things to bring into our program. We’re excited about his knowledge and his passion for the game of football.”
Hodges also has strong ties to Central. He was a student assistant for the Dutch for four seasons, including the first two years of McMartin’s head coaching tenure. His older brother, Bob, was an offensive lineman for the Dutch, graduating in 2003. And his father, Mike Hodges is a 1975 grad and played fullback on Central’s 1974 NCAA Division III championship squad.
